Mounting clip and related modular storage system

ABSTRACT

A storage system having a releasably mounted mounting clip that can be connected to a wall stud or ceiling joist. A variety of storage components can be joined to the mounting clip. The mounting clip can also be used to join boards and panels to construct furniture and stand-alone storage units.

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.10/412,623 filed Apr. 11, 2003, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to storage systems and, moreparticularly, to a modular storage system having as its foundation amounting clip that mounts to exposed wall studs or ceiling joistswithout the use of tools or additional fasteners. It provides a safe andsecure connection that can be removed and reinstalled as desired.

In garages, basements, shops, offices, and buildings under construction,there are collections of items that are stored for short and long term.With varying degrees of organization, there can be clothing, tools,office supplies, sporting equipment, bicycles, recreational toys, yardfurniture, yard tools, paint cans, gas cans, gardening accessories, lawnchemicals and any other item that can be stored in such areas. Thedegree of organization depends in large part on the availability ofsuitable storage space that may or may not be dedicated to theparticular item being stored.

The notion of “a place for every thing and every thing in its place” hasspurred home centers to stock large inventories of shelving and relateditems. Entire stores are now devoted to selling products for efficientstorage of household and office items.

Shelving can be mounted on a wall and provide ample space for smallitems that are not desirably stored on a floor. Shelves and specializedracks are mounted on walls or ceilings using nails, screws or othersuitable connectors. Mounting these items can vary in the degree ofdifficulty and the success and safety of a storage unit will, in largepart, depend upon the skill of the installer.

To simplify installation, storage systems are known that use a singletype of wall connection component on which various types of hangers canbe mounted. A wall connection in one such system is a vertical standardhaving a series of vertical slots into which shelf brackets areinserted. The standards are screwed to a wall and are most secure whenthe screws are driven into the wooden studs supporting the wall.

Shelves are then mounted on the brackets and a number of differenthooks, racks, and hangers can then be attached to store clothing,linens, office supplies, kitchen sundries, shop and yard tools,bicycles, skis and other sporting equipment.

These systems enable one to master the installation of a single type ofcomponent and realize the benefit of numerous different storagereceptacles that are for general storage or dedicated receptacles. Theytypically provide a permanent installation of the standard, but are ableto be rearranged with whatever storage receptacle is required for agiven time. The systems are popular and efficient organizers, but theytend to be expensive and require numerous components for even basicinstallations.

Different types of clips, hangers, and mounts have been devised tosimplify storage and/or installation. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.2,852,802; 3,586,284; 4,286,444; 5,067,200; 5,172,529; 5,199,218;5,842,581; and 6,315,134.

Despite efforts in the prior storage systems, there is none thatprovides a truly secure connection that can be installed without the useof tools. There is no known system that permits easy relocation of amounting standard to suit changing storage needs. Further, there is noknown storage system that provides installers of any skill level theidentical measure of safety and precision for the wall or ceilingconnection. Finally, there is no known system having a connector that isversatile enough to be used as a connector for assembly of “knock-down”or temporary furniture that can be used on construction sites, forexample.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a mounting clip that can be installed onan exposed wall stud or ceiling joist without the use of tools. Itprovides a secure connection for a variety of hangers, receptacles, orother useful articles that can be supported on a wall or ceiling. Themounting clip of the invention can be installed, removed and reinstalledwith consistent strength of the connection. The connection is so strongthat it can be used to permanently secure plumbing, electrical and otherbuilding components in place. A mounting clip in accordance with thepresent invention can also be used to assemble temporary furniture andstand-alone storage units that require no connection to a wall.

The present invention is adaptable for use with any number of storagecomponents that may be shelving units, racks, receptacles, or otherdedicated storage unit. The mounting clip includes a clamp and anaccessory mount. The clamp secures a clip to a board, pipe, or panel andthe accessory mount enables connection to a variety of storagecomponents.

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a mounting clipthat has a base plate, a clamping jaw, and a hand-operated lever thatpivots to secure the clip to any exposed wooden building stud or joistcomponent. The mounting clip's base plate and clamping jaw includeopposing teeth that penetrate the wood when the lever is pivoted aboutits hinge.

A hinge is used to join the base plate and clamping jaw and enablerelative clamping movement of the two. Preferably, the hinge is anover-the-center type that provides a very secure clamping action that issafe and consistent every time the mounting clip is installed. When thelever has been operated to secure the mounting clip into place there isone or more tab or “ear” that extends up adjacent to the clamping jaw.The tab has a hole through it that can receive a pin only when themounting clip is in a fully installed position to serve as a clip lock.The base plate and clamping jaw must pivot relative to one another to bedisengaged from the stud. To pivot relative to one another requires thebase plate to move relative to the ear. This arrangement enables the pinin the tab holes to prevent accidental or unintentional disengagementwhen in place.

The clamping mechanism of the base plate and clamping jaw is activatedby a lever that is hinged to the base plate at a location that is offsetform the hinge that joins the base plate and clamping jaw. The optimumarrangement of hinges permits installation and removal by hand withoutthe use of tools.

The pin is inserted through the hole in the tab and can serve theadditional function of supporting any kind of storage system componentthat can possibly be designed to be joined to the pin. Shelf brackets,hooks, racks, baskets, cabinets, and other storage components are easilyjoined to the mounting clip by the pin. The pin thus prevents the clipfrom being disengaged and can simultaneously provide a connection pointto a wall or ceiling. The pin can also support a pivoting storagecomponent that can move relative to the clip due to the hinge actionprovided by the pin.

The clips are inexpensive to manufacture relative to the popular shelfstandards used in modular storage systems today.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a clip in accordance with the presentinvention, in an open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 in a partially closedposition.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 is a partially closedposition.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 1 in a closed position.

FIG. 5 is the clip of FIG. 1 in a partially closed position beingmounted on a wall stud.

FIG. 6 is the clip of FIG. 1 in a closed position and mounted on a wallstud.

FIG. 7 is a set of eight clips mounted on wood boards to supportshelves.

FIG. 8 is a set of four clips mounted on two wall studs to supportshelves.

FIG. 9 is an adaptor for connection to a clip pin and a storage member.

FIG. 10 is another embodiment of an adaptor.

FIG. 11 is another embodiment of an adaptor.

FIG. 12 is another embodiment of an adaptor and having a pair ofoutwardly extending flanges to provide a pair of aligned holes throughwhich a pivoting storage member can be secured.

FIG. 13 is the adaptor of FIG. 11 installed on a clip with two pivotablerack members extending outwardly for storage of items such as bicycles.

FIG. 14 is the installation of FIG. 11 with the two pivotable rackmembers pivoted to the side.

FIG. 15A-D illustrates various dimensions of the embodiments describedabove.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a mounting clipin an open position in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG.16 in a closed position.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG. 16 in aclosed position.

FIG. 20 is another perspective of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG.16 in the closed position.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG.16 with a latch pin inserted to prevent inadvertent opening of themounting clip.

FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the mounting clip of FIG. 16 in aclosed position.

FIG. 23 is a side view of the storage clip illustrated in FIG. 16 in aclosed position.

FIG. 24 is another side view of the storage clip illustrated in FIG. 16in a closed position.

FIG. 25 is another side view of the storage clip illustrated in FIG. 16in a closed position.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG.16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG.16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG.16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the mounting clip illustrated in FIG.16 with an alternate embodiment of an adaptor in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a shelf system for use with the adaptorof FIG. 26.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a shelf system for use with the adaptorof FIG. 26.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a shelf for use with the adaptor andmounting clip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a shelf for use with the adaptor andmounting clip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a bar support system for use with theadaptor and mounting clip of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a modular storage clip and safety pinwith a resilient locking handle in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a general purpose rack;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a general purpose rack of FIG.36;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating bicycle and helmet hooks, withan accessories storage basket;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a tool hook, shelf, and thebicycle hook of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a garden hose hook;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a tool hook, a shelf, and thegarden hose hook of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a bar with removable toolhooks;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of a shelf in accordance with the presentinvention incorporating a shelf with removable tool hooks;

FIG. 44 is a perspective view of a shelf in accordance with the presentinvention incorporating a transverse bar with overhead tool hooks;

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a tool hook, and shelf withsmall-part cups and resilient slotted lids;

FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a cinch strap; and

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a modular storage system in accordancewith the present invention incorporating a bicycle pulley and suspensionsystem.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of drawings the same referencenumeral will be used to identify the same or similar elements in each ofthe figures. FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a mounting clip 20 inaccordance with the present invention. The mounting clip 20 generallyincludes a clamp 22 and one or more accessory mount 24. The clamp 22 inthe illustrated embodiment includes a lever 26, a base plate 28 joinedto the lever 26 by a hinge 30, and a clamping jaw 36 joined to the lever26 by another hinge 38. FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate the mounting clip20 moving from an opened position (FIG. 1), through intermediatepositions (FIGS. 2 and 3), to a closed position (FIG. 4).

The illustrated lever 26 has triangular flanges 27, which provide alocation for connecting the base plate hinge 30 and the clamping jawhinge 38 to the lever. The two hinges 30 and 38 are spaced apart toprovide sufficient leverage to secure the mounting clip 20 to a stud 56.

The base plate 28 is preferably bent into an L-shape as illustrated, andhas inwardly extending teeth 32 at one end and outwardly extendingflanges 34 on the other end. The teeth 32 are shaped and dimensioned toengage and penetrate a wood stud 56 (FIGS. 5 and 6), while the flanges34 provide a place for joining the lever 26 via a hinge 30.

The clamping jaw 36 has inwardly extending teeth 40 that oppose the baseplate teeth 32 to provide a solid stud connection. The clamping jaw 36is sized to mate with the base plate 28 in the closed position (FIG. 4).In all other positions (FIGS. 1 to 3), the base plate 28 and clampingjaw 36 are at an angle to one another.

The clamping jaw 36 in this illustrated embodiment includes a clip lock48 that preferably includes upwardly extending flanges or ears 50,between which the base plate 28 is disposed. The ears 50 have alignedholes 52 that receive a pin 54 (FIG. 4), which in turn is joined to anysuitable bracket or storage member used in a modular and versatilestorage system, as described in more detail below. When a pin 54 is inplace, the mounting clip 20 cannot be opened because the base plate 28must move outward from the clamping jaw 36 to be removed from the stud56. The displacement of the clamping jaw 36 from the base plate 28occurs as soon as the mounting clip 20 lever 26 has been raised torelease the mounting clip 20. This relationship requires the clip lockto be arranged to prevent even a slight movement of the mounting cliptoward the opened position. (See: FIG. 3.) The illustrated clamping jaw36 is in a dimension sufficient to connect to a nominal 2″ wooden member(1½″ actual). Should the member be of another size, the clamping jaw 36can be dimensioned accordingly. With the illustrated embodiment, theclamping jaw 36 is the only piece that would need to be changed foradapting to members of different widths. The lever 26 and the base plate28 remain the same dimensions, thus saving considerable manufacturingcosts.

The mounting clip 20 is illustrated as having teeth 32 that penetratewood studs as described above. The illustrated teeth are triangular, butthey could be other shapes, sizes, and orientations. This design isperfectly acceptable where the resulting indented appearance of the studis unimportant after the mounting clip 20 is removed. When appearance isimportant or the mounting clip 20 will be joined to materials thatcannot be penetrated by the teeth 32, the mounting clip 20 can be fittedwith compressible or high friction materials. Teeth, compressiblematerials or friction materials are all generally comprised in acategory of clamp enhancers, but these may not be necessary when theclamp is designed to exert adequate pressure on the surface to which theclamp is mounted. Friction pads, rubber boots, plastics, adhesives, etc.can be used as clamp enhancers to further secure the mounting clip 20for added security, and other materials or shapes of teeth can be usedas well.

One category of clamp enhancers applies a highly localized pressure onthe board or other member by effectively reducing the size of theclamp's interior space when in the closed positions. Without a clampenhancer of this latter type, the mounting clip 20 defines an interiorspace dimension. These clamp enhancers effectively reduce the interiorspace dimension so that the clamping pressure is increased. Further,because the clamp enhancers preferably have a smaller surface area thanthe faces of the clamp 22, the force exerted by the clamp enhancers isgreater. Teeth are thus able to penetrate wood and resilient pads gripbetter. Clamp enhancers can be: formed integrally with; joined to; orsimply disposed in the space that is surrounded by the clamp 22.

The mounting clip 20 is illustrated as being connectable to asubstantially rectangular member, but it can be shaped to connect toother shapes as well. For example, pipes, bars, and other round objectscan be considered for use with a mounting clip 20 that has an arcuatebase plate 28 and clamping jaw 36.

In operation, the mounting clip 20 is placed with the lever 26 in theopened position, the base plate teeth 32 on the opposite side of a stud,and the clamping jaw 36 teeth 40 on the near side of the stud. (See:FIG. 1.) The ear holes are blocked in this position, so no pin 54 can beinserted and no brackets or other components can be added in this openposition.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the lever 26 moving toward the closed position, whichmoves the base plate 28 down and over the clamping jaw 36. The teeth 32of the respective parts move toward one another to penetrate a woodstud. The spacing of the hinges 30 and 38 provides leverage so thatmanual force is enough to force the teeth 32 into the wood stud.

In FIG. 4, the mounting clip 20 is in a closed position where the lever26 is parallel to the long face of the stud, the base plate 28 andclamping jaw 36 are nested in a mating position, and the teeth 32 havepenetrated the stud. In this position, and only in this position, it ispossible to insert a pin 54 through the clip lock 48, which in theillustrated example is a pair of ear holes in the clamp jaw ears 50.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a mounting clip 20 in the open and closedposition, respectively, and in engagement with a stud of a nominal 2″×4″dimension (1½″×3½″ actual). In the closed position, the mounting clip 20is generally L-shaped in cross-section. This shape enables two mountingclips 20 to be joined to opposite sides of a single 2″×4″ board at thesame point or elevation on the board so that storage or furniturecomponents can extend at equal heights on opposite sides of the board.Of course, 2″ wide boards of deeper dimensions can be used, such as 6″,8″, 10″, 12″, etc. The depth is preferably no less than 1½″ to provideadequate clamping surface for the mounting clip 20.

A pin 54 (generally referred to as an “accessory mount”) can securebrackets of many shapes and sizes to the secured mounting clip 20. Theremaining drawings in the packet illustrate brackets, hangers, hinges,and other storage components that mate with the ear holes 52 so that apin 54 can be inserted to provide secure storage even for very heavyloads. The drawings should be self-explanatory in this regard.

FIG. 7 illustrates a set of eight mounting clips 20 being used toconnect four extrusions 58 that have recesses 59 for receiving sheets ofmaterial 60 such as plywood, plastic, glass, steel, etc. to construct aself-supporting table and shelving unit. With this embodiment, it isseen that the illustrated mounting clip 20 can be used on any boardwhether or not the board is used to build a wall or ceiling.

FIG. 8 illustrates a set of four mounting clips 20 used to support apair of extrusions 58 for a pegboard. The pegboard 62 can be mounted onthe extrusions 58 and objects mounted on the pegboard 62. The extrusions58 in this embodiment can be identical to the extrusions 58 in the FIG.7 embodiment to provide a generic panel connector.

FIG. 9 illustrates an adaptor 64 to be used with the mounting clip 20.The adaptor 64 is preferably made of plastic and includes holes 65 ateach end through which the pin 54 extends. Detents 67 adjacent to theholes 65 permit storage components to be joined to the pin 54 and restin the detents 67 to resist unwanted movement. The detents 67 arerounded to permit desired movement of the shelving components from onedetent 67 to another.

FIG. 10 illustrates a second style of adaptor 66 that is similar to theFIG. 9 adaptor 64 with an additional transverse bore 68. A pin (notillustrated) can be inserted through the bore 68 to secure storagecomponents.

FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 illustrate another embodiment of an adaptor 70having a central portion 71, and two wing portions 72. The centralportion 71 has pin holder locations 73 that engage a pin 54 in a mannersimilar to the bushings described above.

The wing portions 72 have retainer tabs 76 engage racks 80 (FIG. 13)that can be re-positioned as desired to give a user different storageconfigurations. To move a rack 80, it is lifted above the retainer tab76 and reset to a new position. Gravity will typically hold the rack 80in place when the adaptor is oriented in a vertical position with thestops directed upward.

FIG. 14 is another adaptor 84 embodiment that provides transverse holes88 for receipt of a transverse pin (not illustrated). The transverse pincan pivot to permit movement of a storage compartment connected thereto,and preferably this style of adaptor 84 can be used to mount a pulleyused for hoisting heavier items.

The illustrated mounting clip 20 is preferably made of stainless steelto withstand corrosive environments or cold-rolled steel and/or platedif desired. Other materials will work also. The parts can be stamped outof sheet stock and bent to shape with adequate precision. The pin 54 isalso preferably made of cold-rolled or stainless steel and it can beplated as desired. The adaptors described above are preferably plasticand are more preferably molded polypropylene or glass-filled nylon, orthey can be zinc.

FIGS. 15A through 15D illustrate the preferred dimensions of a mountclip 20 for joining to a nominally sized two (one and one-half) inchboard.

FIGS. 16 through 25 illustrate another embodiment of a mounting clip 200in accordance with the present invention. This clip 200 includes a clamp222 and an accessory mount 224, which is similar to the clamp 20described above with a few exceptions. The clamp 222 includes a lever226, a base plate 228, a first hinge 230, a clamping jaw 236, and asecond hinge 238.

The lever 226 includes a cover 225 that provides added leverage due toits flared distal end 227. The smooth edges and corners also are lesslikely to cause discomfort to a user while being installed anduninstalled due to the ergonometric shape of the cover 225. Further, thecover 225 can provide a surface on which a corporate logo or otherdesign 229 can be placed. Preferably, the cover 225 is made of a base217 of relatively rigid material such as an olefin plastic, and arelatively soft grip 219 that is preferably a thermoplastic elastomer.The cover 225 includes tabs 205 which allow the cover to be snapped intothe lever 226. Other means can also be used to connect the two.

The clamp 222 components are also somewhat modified in the mounting clip200 as compared to the clamp 20 described above. The base plate 228 hasinwardly extending teeth 232, but these are a different shape than thosedescribed in relation to the embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 4. In the mountingclip 200, the teeth 232, 240 are formed around generally circularopenings. In a preferred embodiment, the teeth 232 and 240 are formed bypiercing the base plate 228 and clamping jaw 236 so that the teeth 232and 240 are essentially irregular triangular shapes that do notpenetrate the wood excessively, but provide adequate grip. Thisformation of teeth is preferred over continuous ring-shaped teethbecause the teeth 232 and 240 will not have as severe an impact on theboard on which the clip is mounted. This is particularly beneficial whenthe clips 200 are going to be moved along the length of a board fromtime-to-time. It is not as critical when the clips 200 are relocatedless frequently.

To further reduce the impact on the board, the teeth 232 and 240 are notall in a straight line vertically or horizontally (FIGS. 16 through 19).With such an arrangement, the mounting clip 200 can be relocatedrepeatedly up and down a board with minimal degradation of the board.

Further, the teeth 232 and 240 do not need to penetrate the board verydeeply due to their shape and size. The increased number, shape, andarrangement of teeth permit the use of shorter teeth that are not aslikely to damage the associated board.

The base plate 228 is also formed with integral ribs 231 to providerigidity. The clamping jaw 236 includes mating ribs 233, also forrigidity.

The base plate 228 of the mounting clip 200 also includes a pair ofholes 235 through which nails, screws, or other fasteners can be driveninto a board on which the mounting clip 200 is mounted. This providesadditional load bearing capability, as well as serving as a theftinhibitor, but it is not necessary for most storage loads. A mating pairof slots 237 in the clamping jaw 236 aligns with the holes 235 so thatwhatever type of fastener is used, it can be installed after themounting clip 200 has been moved to a closed position. (See: FIG. 21).

The mounting clip 200, otherwise is very similar to the mounting clip 20in design, materials, and operation. As viewed in FIG. 20, when themounting clip is closed, a pin 241 can be inserted through holes 252.When in this position, it is not possible to open the mounting clip 200because the pin 241 prevents the over-center hinge effect of themounting clip 200 by retaining clamping jaw 236 closely adjacent to thebase plate 228. Other clip locking arrangements are possible inaccordance with the present invention, but this particular arrangementis preferred so that the pin 241 can be readily installed and used tosupport accessories. Further, the pin 241 could be replaced by a lockthat would deter unauthorized removal of the clips.

In alternate embodiments, the pin 241 is inserted through the holes 252after an adaptor is placed over the mounting clip 200. Various adaptorsare illustrated in FIGS. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31. Adaptors link themounting clip 200 to a modular system of storage racks, shelves,cabinets, pulleys, straps, and others or they may serve as storagecomponents themselves. Despite the variety of adaptors, they are allpreferably shaped to be used on single shape of a mounting clip 200, sothat the mounting clips 200 can be used with any adaptor or storage typethat a user desires. This reduces storage system manufacturing costs andsimplifies installation and assembly.

Referring to FIG. 26, there is an adaptor 300 joined to a mounting clip200 via a pin 241. The adaptor 300 includes a pair of aligned slots 302,through which a strap, rope, chain, or preferably, a bar 306 (FIGS. 30,31, and 34) is fed and other elements of a storage system are mountedthereon. For example, FIGS. 30, 31, and 34 illustrate an adaptor 300with an elongated bar extending through the slots 302. The bar 306 alsoextends through a similar adaptor 300 joined to a mounting clip 200 onanother stud, joist, or free-standing member. The bar 306 also isinserted through a shelf 310 having a slot 312 that mates with the bar306. The shelf 310 of FIGS. 30 and 31 can be installed with either sidefacing up. In the FIG. 30 embodiment, the shelf 310 is simply flat forreceiving any desired item to be stored.

In the FIG. 31 arrangement, the shelf 310 is “upside down,” (with wallstuds blocking the ends) the shelf defines a recess into which items canbe stored that might otherwise be susceptible to falling or rolling ofthe shelf 310. Various webs 313 can be joined to or formed integrallywith a shelf 310 to stiffen the shelf 310 to support heavier loads.

FIG. 27 illustrates another adaptor 350, which is nearly identical tothe adaptor 300, except that adaptor 350 includes a pair of spaced apartflanges 352 that have aligned holes 354 through which a pulley axle canbe inserted, for example. Other storage components can also be mountedon the flanges 352.

FIG. 28 illustrates an adaptor 370 that is similar in operation to theadaptor 70 illustrated in FIG. 12, except that adaptor 370 includes arecess 356 for securing the pin 241 and a pair of slots 302 for use asdescribed above. This adaptor 370 also includes retention slots 276 forlimiting movement of storage elements such as rack 80 illustrated inFIG. 12.

FIG. 29 illustrates an adaptor 390 with a pair of reinforced flanges 392that can be used as described above in relation to adaptor 350 in FIG.27.

FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment wherein the components are joined toceiling joists to support loads that can be placed on top of the shelf310 or hung therefrom.

Also, because the modular storage components are interchangeable and maybe used in different storage situations, it is possible to use themwithout a mounting clip of the type described herein. Instead, amounting plate without the clamp feature of the mounting clip, can befastened to a flat surface, such as a wall, and used with adaptors andstorage components such as those described herein.

The bar 306 and shelf 310 are preferably extruded plastic or aluminum,but other shapes and materials can be used.

FIG. 35 illustrates the modular mounting clip 200 as described aboveexcept that the pin 241 includes a resilient locking handle 400 toprevent inadvertent removal of the pin 241 from the clip holes 252. Sucha lock was generally described above in relation to FIG. 27. This isparticularly advantageous in overhead storage situations when gravity isnot as significant in aiding the pin 241 to stay in the holes 252.

The resilient locking handle 400 includes a relatively rigid thumb grip402 and a relatively resilient finger grip 404. On the lower side of thefinger grip 404, a hook 406 is formed to engage the accessory mount 224when installed. The locking handle 400 is easily operated by squeezingthe thumb grip 402 and the finger grip 404 together to pivot the hook406 into and out of engagement with the accessory mount 224. Furtherwhen installing this embodiment of the pin 241 with locking handle 400,a cam surface 408 is provided on the lower side of the hook 406 toengage the accessory mount 224 and snap the hook 406 into place simplyby pushing the pin 241 and locking handle 400 into the holes 252 withoutsqueezing (or with reduced squeezing effort) of the thumb grip 402 andfinger grip 404.

FIG. 36 illustrates the modular clip 200 with pin 241 and resilientlocking handle 400 being used to secure a general purpose rack 420 tothe clip 200. This embodiment of a general purpose rack 420 includes anupper hook 422 and lower hook 424. A base plate 426 and a stabilizer bar428 secure bar 430 of the hooks 424 and 426 together. The bar 430 formsan essentially endless loop to provide strength, stability, andaesthetically pleasing curves.

On the base plate 426 is a channel 432 that is disposed between theaccessory mount 224 of the mounting clip 200. The channel 432 includesholes 434 aligned with the holes 252 in the accessory mount 224 toaccept the pin 241 and secure the bicycle rack 420 to the mounting clip200. The hooks 422 and 424 could be used to hang things such asbicycles, hoses, and ladders, and they are not exclusively designed tostore any one type of product.

FIG. 37 is the general purpose rack 420 of FIG. 36 mounted on a clip 200and secured by a pin 241 with resilient locking handle 400 essentiallyas described above, except that a second clip 200 and pin 241 are usedon a nearby stud (not illustrated). A tool hook 431 is also illustratedon the left side for hanging long-handled garden tools.

A shelf 440 is also illustrated, which is joined to the mounting clips200 via a transverse extruded bar 444 that extends through the channels432 on the bicycle rack 420. The transverse bar 444 extends through aslot 446 on the underside of the shelf 440. The shelf 440 is preferablyextruded plastic, but can be any suitable material.

The shelf 440 includes stabilizer brackets 448 that bear on studs (notillustrated) to provide torsional stability for the shelf 440. Foradditional stability, the stabilizer brackets 448 are fitted with leafsprings 450 that are compressed against the wall studs on installationand ensure a snug fit for the shelf. With this increased stability,heavier loads can be placed on or hung from the shelf 440 without riskof tipping and spilling the contents of the shelf 440.

FIG. 38 is an embodiment of a bicycle rack 460 joined to a modular clip200 and secured with a pin 241 and resilient locking handle 400. A baseplate 426 and channel 432 are provided, as described above in relationto the FIG. 36 embodiment.

The bicycle rack 460 includes an upper helmet hook 462 and a lowerbicycle hook 464. A basket 466 is suspended from the bicycle hook 464.This embodiment of the bicycle rack 460 can be folded down when not inuse because the hooks 462 and 464 are hinged. Hinges 470 are formedbetween the bicycle hook 464 and a pair of vertical rods 472 that arejoined to the base plate 426. The vertical rods 472 are bent into loops474 that restrain the bicycle hook 464 into a pivoting movement relativeto the rods 472. The upper ends of the vertical rods 472 include hooks476 for receiving and suspending the helmet hook 462. Finally, a pivotplate 478 and tension rod 479 joins the helmet hook 462 to the bicyclehook 464 to suspend the bicycle hook 464 from the vertical rod hooks472.

In this configuration, it can be seen that the bicycle rack 460 isplaced in its illustrated configuration and that the bicycle hook 464 isessentially suspended away from the wall by hanging in the helmet hook462 in the rod hooks 476. To place the bicycle rack 460 in a storage (orfolded) position, the helmet hook 462 is lifted up and removed from therod hooks 476 to allow the bicycle hook 464 and the helmet hook 478 topivot downward and adjacent to the wall. The opposite procedure would beused to replace the bicycle rack 460 to the use position illustrated inFIG. 38. The weight of a bicycle maintains the helmet hook 462 in therod hooks 476.

The basket 466 is preferably made of a flexible fabric or netting toaccommodate the folding and unfolding of the bicycle rack 460. Areinforcing rod 480 is preferably sewn into the basket 466 to providestability. Buttons 482 reinforce the fabric seams to allow heavier loadsto be placed in the basket 466.

Finally, resilient or other non-abrasive material 484 can be used on thehooks 462 and 464 to reduce the risk of scratching bicycle paint,helmets, or other accessories stored on the bicycle rack 460.

FIG. 39 illustrates the bicycle rack of FIG. 38 except that it is nowaccompanied by other modular components in a manner essentiallydescribed above in relation to FIG. 37.

FIG. 40 is a hose rack 500 secured to a base plate 426 in a mannersimilar to the bicycle racks described above. The hose rack 500 includesa lower hose support portion 502 and an upper hose support portion 504with shapes that accommodate hoses, ropes, chains, and anything coiled.

FIG. 41 is the hose rack 500 of FIG. 40 used in conjunction with theother modular components described above in relation to FIG. 37.

FIG. 42 is a modular tool hanging system 510 including a pair of clips200 with pins 241 and resilient locking handles 400 that lockcorresponding slotted brackets 514. Fit through the brackets 514, is abar 516 that includes reinforcing ribs 515 and flanges 520. Preferably,the bar 516 is extruded plastic, but it could be made from any suitablematerial.

Disposed on the bar 516 are a number of tool hooks 522. The tool hooks522 include a central slotted portion 524, a lower hook 526, and anupper channel 528. The channels 528 are for receiving a flange on ashelf, bar, or overhead storage system, such as depicted in FIGS. 43 and44. The hooks 522 can slide along the bar 516 and be made of anysuitable material.

FIG. 43 is a modular shelf system essentially as described above inrelation to FIG. 37, but in the illustrated embodiment, the shelf 440has hanging from it a number of double-pronged hooks 530. The hooks 530have a c-shaped channel 532 that mates with a shelf flange 534 for beingsecured to the shelf 440.

Under the shelf 440, is a bar 516 fitted with another embodiment of toolhooks 540 that have channels 542 that slidably engage a lower flange 544on the bar 516.

FIG. 44 is an embodiment of a tool hook system 550 that is designed tobe suspended from overhead ceiling joists (not illustrated). This system550 includes a pair of clips 200 with pins 241 and locking handles 400such as described above. The hooks 540 engage a flange 544 on thetransverse bar 516.

FIG. 45 illustrates a shelf system 560 similar to that described aboveexcept that the shelf 562 includes lower flanges 564 for slidablyreceiving the rims 566 of cups 568 that can be used to hold small partssuch as nails, screws, nuts and bolts, etc. The cups 568 are accessiblethrough openings 570 in the shelf 562. The cups 568 may include aresilient and slotted cover 572 that permits small parts to be pushedthrough slots 574 for storage in the cup 568 while keeping debris out ofthe cup 568.

FIG. 46 is a strap system 580 used in conjunction with a pair of clips200 as described above. This system 580 includes a strap 582 and abuckle 584 for hanging ladders, bicycles, canoes, and such from aceiling.

FIG. 47 illustrates an overhead bicycle kit 600 having three clips 200,three stationary pulleys 602, two moving pulleys 604, a rope 606, a pairof straps 608, and an optional storage bag 610. The system 600 works tolift heavy loads with reduced user effort. The rope 606 is fixed at oneend 612 to a stationary pulley 602 and it is fed through the pulleys asillustrated and secured to a cleat 614 at its other end 616. The storagebag 610 may have Velcro closures and the straps 608 may be adjustable inlength to accommodate different ceiling heights and bike sizes. Ofcourse, other products can be suspended from this system 600, but it isparticularly well-suited for bicycles.

It should be understood, that due to the modularity of the storagesystems described herein, there are other anchoring pieces that could beused in place of the clips 20 and 200. Other anchors that may be joinedto a wall or ceiling by other means, such as screws or nails, can takeadvantage of the modular storage systems described herein so long asthey include any accessory mount that is compatible with these systems.

The foregoing detailed description is intended for clearness ofunderstanding the invention, and no unnecessary limitations therefromshould be read into the following claims.

1. A releasable mounting clip, comprising: a clamp having a pair of jawsadapted to move relative to one another to clamp onto a supportingstructure; and an accessory mount joined to the clamp, and adapted to besecured to a plurality of modular storage components.
 2. The releasablemounting clip of claim 1, and further comprising: a clip lock joined tothe clamp for preventing unintentional movement of the mounting clipfrom the closed position to the opened position; and a resilient lockinghandle for preventing the clip lock from inadvertent release.
 3. Thereleasable mounting clip of claim 2, wherein the accessory mount isconstructed in combination with the clip lock and comprises: an eardefining a hole; and a pin for insertion through the hole when themounting clip is in the closed position.
 4. The mounting clip of claim1, and further comprising: a bicycle rack for connection to theaccessory mount.
 5. The mounting clip of claim 1, and furthercomprising: a shelf defining flange; and a tool hook defining a channelfor mating with the shelf flange to releasably engage the tool hook tothe shelf.